Teens threatened with replica gun

POLICE have arrested a man who allegedly threatened four teenagers with a replica handgun in Rockville.

Toowoomba Police Child Protection Investigation Unit officer-in-charge Paul Hart said the four boys were walking on Holberton St, near the intersection of North St, when they might have disturbed some property at the front of a residence.

Detective Senior Sergeant Hart said the teens told police a 26-year-old man armed with a black replica handgun confronted and threatened the four youths, aged about 16.

The group was detained for a short period and the teens were frightened - causing one boy to suffer an asthma attack.

"They were certainly in fear," Det Snr Sgt Hart said.

"A replica firearm has been recovered and it is striking in resemblance to a real firearm."

The incident happened at 11.15pm Saturday and detectives arrested the 26-year-old Westbrook man on Christmas Day.

He was charged with four counts of threatening violence, deprivation of liberty, and assault occasioning bodily harm.

Det Snr Sgt Hart said police were continuing their investigation and would like to speak to the driver of a red vehicle who was passing and might have seen the incident.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to phone CIB on 4631 6400 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The accused man, who is being held in custody, will appear in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court on January 10 to apply for bail.